10+ Best New Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the latest page-turners for your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of new books for 9-12-year-olds, packed with exciting adventures and captivating stories that are perfect for middle-grade readers. Whether they're into thrilling quests or heartwarming tales, our list has something that will catch the eye of every young bookworm. Keep reading to discover our top picks of new books for 9-12-year-olds that can't be missed!

Fun New Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Magical Reality of Nadia by Bassem Youssef and Catherine R. Daly, illustrated by Douglas Holgate
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nadia's life changes when she discovers a magical amulet that teaches her about her Egyptian heritage and helps her navigate middle school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun mix of humor and fantasy that also educates about cultural heritage and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magic and learning about different cultures.

• The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In a world of magic and danger, a young mapmaker's assistant embarks on a thrilling voyage to uncharted lands.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a journey of self-discovery and resilience, perfect for sparking a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and dreamers who crave adventures and mysteries.

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Amari Peters, an ordinary girl, discovers a world of supernatural beings and a mystery involving her missing brother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating blend of mystery and fantasy with a strong, relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling supernatural mysteries and strong female leads.

• The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A girl named Beatryce emerges from a monastery with no memory but a destiny to fulfill, involving an ancient prophecy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told tale that combines elements of history and fantasy, encouraging readers to find their strength.
  • Perfect for: Those who love medieval settings and stories of prophecy and destiny.

• The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A girl from Papua New Guinea embarks on a dangerous quest to become a shark caller and avenge her parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a unique cultural practice while weaving a story of courage and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers fascinated by other cultures and tales of overcoming adversity.

Educational New Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado joins the prestigious Explorer Academy and embarks on a globe-trotting quest filled with danger, mystery, and cutting-edge technology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, geography, and science
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with real scientific concepts and technology, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and have a keen interest in science and technology.

• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: A girl genius with OCD, struck by lightning, must navigate middle school challenges while hiding her mathematical abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Math skills, social skills, understanding of OCD
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a heartfelt look at overcoming personal challenges and embracing one's unique talents.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love math and stories about overcoming adversity with courage and humor.

• The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kiranmala discovers she's a princess in an alternate dimension and must save her parents while solving riddles and battling creatures from Bengali folklore.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, problem-solving, mythology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, fantastical adventure that introduces readers to elements of South Asian culture and folklore.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mythological adventures and strong female protagonists.

• Oddity by Eli Brown, illustrated by Karin Rytter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate America where magic and oddities are the norm, a brave girl embarks on a quest to find her missing mother and uncover a family secret.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, historical knowledge, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of historical elements and magical fantasy, encouraging imagination and courage.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical fantasy and stories about quests and discovering one's true self.

• Cape by Kate Hannigan, illustrated by Patrick Spaziante
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, three girls discover their superpowers and use them to fight against injustice and Nazi spies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empowerment, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with superhero fiction, providing a powerful narrative about courage and heroism.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fans of superheroes and historical adventures.

Challenging New Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in a future Britain overrun by wild beasts and fragmented societies, Scarlett McCain defends herself against both human and supernatural threats while harboring a boy with a dangerous secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of trust, societal breakdown, and morality into a fast-paced adventure, requiring readers to think critically about the characters' decisions and the ethical dilemmas they face.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride that combines action with deeper questions about law, order, and humanity, perfect for young readers looking to explore sophisticated themes.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dystopian settings and stories that blend thrilling action with thought-provoking themes.

• Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Min, a teenage fox spirit, embarks on a quest across the galaxy to find her missing brother and save her family's honor, using her shape-shifting abilities and wits.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex elements of Korean mythology with space opera, presenting cultural depth and advanced science fiction concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of mythological elements and futuristic settings, encouraging readers to dive into a culturally rich narrative while enjoying an action-packed space adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of mythology who are looking for a narrative that challenges their imagination and cultural understanding.

• Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she uncovers magical secrets and puzzles that link to her own hidden past.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and an intricate plot that requires readers to pay attention to detail and think critically about the connections between characters and events.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for developing problem-solving skills and fostering a love for mysteries and magic in a richly described setting.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and mystery lovers who enjoy stories with magical elements and brain-teasing plots.

• The List of Unspeakable Fears by J. Kasper Kramer
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Horror
  • Synopsis: In 1910 New York, Essie moves with her mother to North Brother Island, where she faces her fears, including the island’s eerie history and the ghosts haunting it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical facts with supernatural elements and explores complex themes like fear, loss, and courage in the face of the unknown.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric read that teaches resilience and the importance of facing one's fears, all while providing a spooky historical backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings mixed with suspense and supernatural elements.

• Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure by Vashti Hardy
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm embark on a thrilling expedition to reach South Polaris, facing fierce competitors and incredible challenges along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The steampunk genre blends technology and historical elements, requiring readers to imagine complex inventions and societal structures in a world vastly different from their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: This adventure encourages creativity and resilience, as the protagonists navigate through a series of inventive challenges and moral dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and inventors, and fans of dynamic, thoughtfully constructed fantasy worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some of the exciting new books for 9-12-year-olds, why not enhance the experience with some fun reading exercises? These activities are designed to help young readers like you develop strong reading habits while enjoying every page. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much reading you want to do each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading books out loud, either to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and voice for different characters to make it more fun.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club with a few friends who also love to read.
  • How it helps: Allows you to share ideas and learn from others' perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time to meet and discuss a book you've all read.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of the plot and characters, enhancing comprehension.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding of the character and their motivations.
  • Tips: Try to capture the character's voice and how they might feel at different points in the story.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about turning reading into an adventure that goes beyond the page. Whether you're setting up your cozy reading nook or discussing the latest book with friends, each step you take builds a stronger foundation for a lifelong love of reading. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and let's make reading even more magical!